I hope they were pleasantly surprised because I am committed to investing in programs that encourage bikes to coexist with other modes and to safely share our roads and bridges. And there’s strong support in Congress for these goals as well.

….I think I conveyed that excitement to the summit, judging by the early response (BikePortland.org, Streetsblog.org)

I welcome the vigor of the bicycling community in advocating for bike-friendly measures in the upcoming authorization bill, CLEAN-TEA. Bicycles are a critical part of a cleaner, greener future in American transportation, so keep those wheels spinning.”

I’m not sure what I like best about this. The fact that the Transportation Secretary has a blog (it needs a new name though), LaHood’s recognition of bicycles and a sense that he really “gets it”, the part when he said he “welcomes the vigor” of the bike community, or the fact that he linked to BikePortland.org.

Wow. The transportation authorization bill effort should be very interesting to watch unfold.

NOTE: We love your comments and work hard to ensure they are productive, considerate, and welcoming of all perspectives. Disagreements are encouraged, but only if done with tact and respect. If you see a mean or inappropriate comment, please contact us and we'll take a look at it right away. Thank you — Jonathan

This is a significant statement from the admminstration’s sec of transportation. It’s a pretty amazing statement actually. I am hopeful it will be backed up by funds and actions and laws. If not we have the statement to come back to and hold feet to the fire.

Not be a downer, but while the rhetoric is encouraging it’s a shame all the stimulus dollars – an unprecedented public expenditure – can’t be better directed to bike projects. In other words, I like the rhetoric but I like to follow the money. And the money isn’t going to bikes.